Nocs Provisions 8X32 Field Tube monocular review

There are reasons why some prefer a monocular to a pair of binoculars for bird-watching and wildlife-viewing. Lighter by half, more accessible, quicker to focus and easier to hold steady, the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 is the perfect example of why a monocular can be the best optic for everything from birding and safari to hiking and watching sports.

The bottom line is that the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 is pocket-sized and portable. Weighing just 8.09 oz (229.4 g), it easily slips into a pocket or, if you attach a lanyard, hangs around your neck without any discernible weight. That means it’s always with you and light enough to hold completely steady, giving you a more stable, detailed view of subjects. That’s further ensured by its 8x magnification, which is the limit for hand-holding a monocular without any risk of wobbly views.

Taken on a hiking trip to a national park where birds of prey swooped above, the water- and fog-proof Nocs Field Tube 8x32 impressed during the day with bright, detailed images. It also successfully fought rain and dew.

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Nocs Provisions Field Tube 8x32 monocular review

Nocs Provisions Field Tube 8x32: Design

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• Twist-up eyecups
• BaK-4 prisms
• Tripod thread

The first thing you’ll notice about this monocular are its eye-catching colors, but don’t let the choice between Corsican Blue, Coral Red and Banana Slug Yellow put you off. A serious monocular, its optical system uses BaK-4 prisms, with a surprising seven lens elements arranged into five groups. Its optics are multi-coated to suppress nasties like lens flare and ghosting.

At the same time, those wanting a monocular to carry in a pocket will love its scratch-resistant lenses. It’s also IPX7-rated, which means it can survive lengthy dunks in shallow water. Thanks to a nitrogen-filled internal chamber, it’s also fog-proof, which, during our test, proved helpful in battling a high dew point.

The most important details about the Nocs Field Tube 8x32, though, are the specifications of its optics. At 8x magnification and with a 32mm objective lens, it has the right balance to ensure an impressive close-up while also letting in enough light during dusk and dawn. But don’t expect to use it at night for stargazing: it can make a rudimentary attempt at the night sky, but at least a 42mm, if not a 50mm, objective lens is required for impressive astronomical views (the moon aside).

The most impressive aspect of the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 is that it can focus to just 7.4 feet (2.25 meters), which makes it worth considering for small gardens where birds and wildlife may appear directly in front of you. It is also helpful for safaris, where birds and small animals can often be seen very close to the truck.

The plasticky design may put some off, but it’s precisely this that helps the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 remain lightweight. For those looking for an optical aid to carry in a pocket on hiking trips, its plastic construction is a huge bonus, mainly since it’s a hard-wearing design complete with a ridged, ribbed outer casing that’s easy to grip in all kinds of weather and temperatures.

On the bottom of the chassis is a 1/4-inch tripod thread designed to fit a small tabletop tripod, of the sort you might also carry in a pocket. That could be useful for some kinds of birding — such as observing a nest — or for any other largely stationary animal. A good option, therefore, is to use a tripod with flexible legs that can be twisted around railings and bars.

A small tripod is also a good idea if you want to share views with others, or just as a different way to support and hold the Nocs Field Tube 8x32.

Nocs Provisions Field Tube 8x32: Performance

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• Easy to hold steady
• Quick to focus
• Lacks ultimate brightness

Taken on a hiking trip to mid-Wales, the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 performed well. We used it for everything from identifying red kites and buzzards to some casual moon-viewing and were impressed both by how easy it was to hold steady and by how quick it was to focus.

The Nocs Field Tube 8x32 also proved adept at sweeping across landscapes. Whether it was for checking out the beautiful changing colors on the horizon during sunset or finding the next waymarker up ahead on the path, it delivered consistently impressive views. Using the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 on a herd of wild horses helped us identify foals among them. While walking through an orchard, the close focus ability enabled us to get a close-up of birds in the trees above.

Is the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 as sharp as an expensive pair of high-quality binoculars? No, it is not, but there is little noticeable difference when used in bright conditions. Besides, what it lacks in ultimate image sharpness, vibrancy and brightness it more than makes up for in its travel-friendly design and ease of operation. We were impressed by close objects, too.

Since our hike took place on a typical Welsh day — with periods of strong summer sun followed by lashing rain — we could really put the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 through its paces. Its weatherproof status held up, and so did its fog-proofing, particularly late at night when we used the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 to observe a waxing gibbous moon setting in the west around midnight. The high dew point caused a nearby camera to fog up, but the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 remained clear.

Nocs Provisions Field Tube 8x32: Functionality

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• Non-slip outer casing
• Smooth focus wheel
• No neck strap

The Nocs Field Tube 8x32 is very simple to use. With an easy-to-grip outer casing, all that’s required is to extend the eyepiece a couple of clicks (there are two positions it can sit in, depending on how much eye relief is needed) and turn the focus wheel on the top of the body. That wheel has enough resistance to move quickly but stays in place post-adjustment.

If you’re birding or hiking and want an optical aid to hand at all times, the best way is to hang a monocular like the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 around your neck. After all, it’s super-lightweight. The Nocs Field Tube 8x32 does, conveniently, sport a carrying strap/loop on its bottom and there’s a wrist strap in the box.

However, what it’s lacking are attachments for its eyecup shield and lens cap, both of which have loops, but there’s nothing in the box. That’s a shame because these small covers are easy to lose. We recommend you either tie them to the Nocs Field Tube 8x32’s carry strap/loop or wrist strap, or else be sure to hike/bird/safari while wearing a shirt with top pockets where you can easily stash them away to keep them safe.

Although the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 has a protective case, it’s nothing more than a drawstring bag. Given that the product is weatherproof and has the scratch-proof option, this is not a deal-breaker, but something a little more protective would have been nice.

Should you buy the Nocs Provisions Field Tube 8x32?

Easy to hold steady for any subject near or far, the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 offers sharp, crisp and colorful views from dusk through dawn. Its 8x magnification and 32 mm objective lens make it less than ideal only for astronomy, though moon-viewing nevertheless impressed. Adept in all kinds of weather and easy to operate, the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 boasts excellent build quality. Overall, it’s highly recommended.

If the Nocs Provisions Field Tube 8x32 isn't for you

If you like the sound of the Nocs Field Tube 8x32 but want a little more magnification, there’s another version available that may suit your needs. The Nocs Field Tube 10x32 gives you 10x magnification and is also available in Ponderosa Green, Paydirt Brown and Oxblood Maroon.

If you’re okay with 8x magnification but want something that allows more light in for better astronomical results, try the lightweight Opticron Explorer 8x42.

For more of both, choose the Celestron Outland X, which offers 10x magnification and 50 mm objective lenses.